Pentagon Budget Released

Members of the U.S. Air Force Drill Team perform during a rehearsal tattoo on Bolling Air Force Base, in Washington, D.C., Oct. 5, 2008. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Marleah Miller

Pentagon Wants $450 Billion Increase
Over Next Five Years -- CQ Politics

Pentagon officials have prepared a new estimate for defense spending that is $450 billion more over the next five years than previously announced figures.

The new estimate, which the Pentagon plans to release shortly before President Bush leaves office, would serve as a marker for the new president and is meant to place pressure on him to either drastically increase the size of the defense budget or defend any reluctance to do so, according to several former senior budget officials who are close to the discussions.

Experts note that releasing such documents in the twilight of an administration is a well-worn tactic, and that incoming presidents often disregard such guidance in order to pursue their own priorities.

And with the nation’s economy caught up in a global financial meltdown, it remains unclear whether either Sen. John McCain , R-Ariz., Sen. Barack Obama , D-Ill., or a Democratic Congress would support such large increases for defense next year.

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My Comment: That is all? I expected more.